2010 Stars & Stripes U12 Spring Tournament – Week 5

Monkstown LTC vs Sandycove

The Grand Finale!

We ordered the weather especially for the final evening but the kids still had to produce the tennis – and they did! We were up against Sandycove who had really an unassailable lead in the competition and were expecting good quality matches. First up were no1 boys Harry Crossan and Mark Earlewho were playing James Cronin and Mark Cunningham. By general consensus this was the match of the night – and probably of the tournament as a whole, with fantastic rallies and winners from all 4 boys. The Monkstown LTC pair got off to a good start and maintained the lead throughout to win 8-5. The no 2 Monkstown LTC pair of John O’Mahonyand David Keanemaintained their unbeaten record as a pair in this competition winning 8-5 also. Finally no 3 pair of Jack Gannonand Gary Galvinproduced an excellent display to win their match 9-4. This meant a 25-14 victory for the boys – they have now won all of their matches in the competition and are therefore the winners of the boys’ competition so well done to all.

In the girls’ matches we had a star performance from Lara Sommervilleand Amy McGovernwho beat the no 1 Sandycove pair 9 games to 4 – a wonderful result and well deserved. The no 2 pair of Ciara Galvinand Aisling Walshhad a tougher time losing out 11- 2 to a strong Sandycove pair. No 3s Rachel Nortonand Molly Boynehad a good game but again just lost out 10-3. So the result was Sandycove 25 Monkstown LTC 14. All of the parents watching the games could see the significant improvement in the girls’ tennis. Most of the team had never played a competitive match before the tournament started so it was lovely to see them improve so much over the 6 weeks. We all hope they get those rackets out over the summer and keep it up – we need you girls!!!!

The match ended in an overall draw – Sandycove 39 Monkstown LTC 39 – the first time that has ever happened and a fitting result on the night! That score was enough to confirm Sandycove as the overall winners of the competition so very well done to them. Glenalbyn were the winners of the girls’ competition just pipping Newtown Park by 2 points.

In the Shield competition we had 6 pairs in action. First up were Gary Kelly and Sean Desmondwho had a great game against a Sandycove pair which included Luke Bennet who stood in for a no show. Sandycove just shaded the game 8-5 but well done Gary and Sean for such a good match. The no 2 pair of Patrick Byrneand Jack Hartnettgave a great display and won their game 8-5 and the no 3 pair of Eoghan Clarkeand Alex Boynewere in fine form coming out 11-2 winners in their game. The no 4 pair of Greg O’Carrolland Adam McGovernwere up against it in their match as again Sandycove had to use one of their first team players to stand in for a no show, but they battled well and got 3 games – score was 10-3 – so well done guys. The closest match on the night was no 5 pair Jack Claphamand Matt McCannwho won the deciding tie break to win 7-6 – very well played boys. The final match of the night was the girls pairing of Caoimhe Byrne and Julia Healywho proved that last was definitely not least winning their match 9 games to 4. Combining the results of last night with the previous away game at Sandycove and adjusting for the no-shows, Monkstown LTC came out winners of the shield by 59 points to 35 so very well played to all!!

We are looking forward to the Autumn competition already!!

I would just like to thank all of the players and parents for making this such an enjoyable competition and such a pleasure to arrange. Also thanks to Anne Crossan and Stephen for their help on the night.